Norfolk Southern will open its Family Assistance Center at 3 p.m. today at the Jefferson County Emergency Services in Louisville to address the needs of residents and businesses affected by the January 6 train derailment in Bartow.

Norfolk Southern is compensating affected members of the community for their inconvenience and out-of-pocket expenses. Affected residents should bring a driver’s license or other proof of residence, as well as receipts for expenses in order to receive compensation.

LOCATION:

Jefferson County Emergency Services

ADDRESS

1841 Highway 24 W., Louisville, Ga. 30434

HOURS:

January 7: 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
January 8: 9 a.m.to 6 p.m.

PHONE:

800-230-7049

NS personnel and environmental contractors worked through the night, and recovery efforts continue today at the derailment site where the rail cars are being re-railed or moved to a nearby staging area in order to make track repairs.

A Norfolk Southern train traveling from Macon to Augusta derailed 37 cars shortly after 8 p.m. on Sunday. Two of the cars were breached, one releasing hydrogen peroxide and one releasing hydrochloric acid.

At this time, community members may smell odors related to hydrogen peroxide and hydrochloric acid, but the levels do not pose a health risk. Environmental teams are continuously monitoring the air in Bartow and other community areas surrounding the derailment and will continue monitoring until the chemicals have been removed from the site. Representatives of the Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health are available to answer questions regarding the chemicals and air monitoring by calling (478) 607-2335 from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. EST.

The safety of the community and everyone working on site is our top priority. We want to thank the area’s fire, police and other first responders for their quick response and continuing assistance as work progresses. We apologize for the disruption this incident has caused. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.